Events: Creating couture from clutter at Trash ‘N’ Fashion

The show on Thursday 17th May was a stylish success, with students from Donegal and Sligo joining the local fundraiser that sees creative young designers turn trash into wearable art.

Almost 1000 students have taken part in the competition in its 7 years. Last week’s event at Mount Errigal Hotel Letterkenny was another big celebration for the students who learned valuable skills such as teamwork and creativity while showcasing their impressive designs.

On the night of the show, students discovered the key messages of reusing and recycling and how their act of creativity could spread the message of saving the environment.They mastered the art of communication and overcame fear of walking down the runway to display their “out of this world” designs to the cheers of their family and friends.

The team have put in endless hours of planning and work, but they say it’s all worth it when they see the ongoing life lessons and value that an event like this has on the young students that take part.

Schools throughout Donegal participate every year and as far away as Sligo was represented with Mercy Sligo College coming to share in the magic that is Trash N Fashion.

Who knew that recycled rubbish, up cycled everyday items and products that normally make the landfill could look so glamorous? A new category for 2018 was a Repurpose and Reuse section and Star Wars was the 2018 special awards theme.

Star Wars theme Winner – Troopete – Mercy College Sligo

Re-purpose Reuse winner – Toys R Us Errigal College

Cllr Gerry McMonagleCathaoirleach of Donegal County Council and Environmental Awareness Officer Suzanne Bogan joined in the audience to support the event and Karen and Evelyn expressed their delight that Donegal County Council had helped finance the event this year.

Gerry McMonagle congratulated all who took part, saying: “Trash N Fashion is a unique event, and Donegal County Council are delighted to be part of an amazing professional and high end production that delivered a strong message of rethinking waste.”

It wasn’t just the fashion world that was on display, but a full programme of entertainment and dance added to this outstanding event, showcasing a full range of talents and creativity from Pinehill Dance Studio, singers Oisin Nee and Amy Meehan, Luna Kicks band and solo dance display from Kai Mc Hugh.